I am convinced that hiccups are part of the historic process for most dressmakers. Keeping in mind that only the very wealthy owned lots of clothes and had professional dressmakers, most women probably didn't make that many kirtles over their entire lifetime, counting the ones they make for themselves and helped those in their households, family and friends made. At least in the earlier medieval period, say before 1400 CE. Things started changing a great deal with the rise of a middle/merchant class, aided by the black death and various political upheavals. Because every inch of every thread in every yard of fabric was hand spun, I doubt mockups were a normal part of the process and paper patterns probably weren't either. I think the average woman (neither ultra wealthy nor terribly poor) probably made a kirtle the way my Korean aunties made clothing when I was a girl: by taking measurements using a system of knots in a string (the measurements in a certain order and a few measurements marked out with a different knot from the simple overhand of the majority), then drew the pattern on the fabric itself. Then they hiccupped and solved their way through the entire process of putting it together. They expected to hiccup and solve their way through the entire process. They expected their kirtles to get done when they got done and not one moment sooner. Shifts/smocks/chemises/whatever were probably both different and much easier, being barely fitted and there being so many more of them than outer and middle layer garments.
Love it! That purple is just luscious, and the little bit of embroidery is adorable. Also, I'd just like to point out that a "light summer dress" can be worn with a cardigan and tights well into autumn, and even winter, depending on what your winters look like.
This was so inspiring, thank you for sharing your journey on this project! I've been looking for ways to modernise medieval clothing for every day wear so this is great ❤
Great video. You drove me crazy not ironing as you go, lol. You are encouraging me to try to make one too. Look forward to your videos. lol, you could call me the Halfing in Texas.
I did try to iron as I went, but there was so much chaos that I did skip it sometimes. Plus linen wrinkles if you look at it funny, but it does press down well with just finger pressing, so it kind of balances out? lol You should definitely make one, these are awesome!
Found some awesome wool (lightweight) at thrift, and thought of a dress . Like your idea of a kirtle ! Like mine longer as legs get chili. Can you make the front and back each 1 piece (no extra cut gores) ? Or if can use 1 piece for each side? Looks nice and comfy. Have some linen might try first. or see what to line wool in case itchy. Very inspiring
Technically you can cut the front and back in one piece, but because there is a large amount of fabric cut on the bias, the stretch can make the dress warp as it's being worn. You could cut one isosceles triangle gore instead of two right angle triangle gores, but I've never attempted it so I couldn't speak to how well it would work. Wool is definitely the more historically accurate material, and usually had a linen shift underneath so it wouldn't be itchy. :)
What a sweet dress and I looooove the color. And gratulations for reaching the Partnerprogram - great Milestone :O) I still have a long way to go till I am there, I am doing something wrong it seems - 34 videos and 71 subs :o/ Maybe I should start sewing instead of painting - lol. Love your outtakes by the way.
“Yes, my life is a side quest.” Glad I’m not the only one who feels like that!
I am convinced that hiccups are part of the historic process for most dressmakers. Keeping in mind that only the very wealthy owned lots of clothes and had professional dressmakers, most women probably didn't make that many kirtles over their entire lifetime, counting the ones they make for themselves and helped those in their households, family and friends made. At least in the earlier medieval period, say before 1400 CE.
Things started changing a great deal with the rise of a middle/merchant class, aided by the black death and various political upheavals.
Because every inch of every thread in every yard of fabric was hand spun, I doubt mockups were a normal part of the process and paper patterns probably weren't either. I think the average woman (neither ultra wealthy nor terribly poor) probably made a kirtle the way my Korean aunties made clothing when I was a girl: by taking measurements using a system of knots in a string (the measurements in a certain order and a few measurements marked out with a different knot from the simple overhand of the majority), then drew the pattern on the fabric itself.
Then they hiccupped and solved their way through the entire process of putting it together. They expected to hiccup and solve their way through the entire process. They expected their kirtles to get done when they got done and not one moment sooner.
Shifts/smocks/chemises/whatever were probably both different and much easier, being barely fitted and there being so many more of them than outer and middle layer garments.
Love it! That purple is just luscious, and the little bit of embroidery is adorable.
Also, I'd just like to point out that a "light summer dress" can be worn with a cardigan and tights well into autumn, and even winter, depending on what your winters look like.
I pulled this up to watch whilst I bind my vaguely victorian history bounding corset and ended up just watching. Great kirtle~. 😌
Very cute! Great fit & I like the embroidery. And the color is yummy!
So stinkin cute! I love that purple!
💚🖤 I love the modern take on historical clothing, and this is lovely.
You have amazing skills!! The dress is adorable!! Fantastic job!!
Thank you so much! 😊
Lovely kirtle! Thanks for sharing the hiccups along the way.
This kirtle is so pretty💕 I love the purple color🥰 definitely gonna use this as a reference for my own hand sewing kirtle adventures💕
Very cute!
What a beautiful dress. This has inspired me to start drafting one!
I don't think I would have your perseverance! Your kirtle did turn out beautifully though!
Oh I nearly threw in the towel a few times 😂
I have some linen in my stash that I have earmarked for just such a dress! Very cool to see someone do it!
That's awesome!
This was so inspiring, thank you for sharing your journey on this project! I've been looking for ways to modernise medieval clothing for every day wear so this is great ❤
Omg, that is an awesome dress!❤🎉
This is gorgeous! Now I want a pink one. 😊 I should make a kirtle pattern for myself!!
You definitely should, kirtles are awesome!
@@HalflingSeamstress I've wanted to since forever, I need to just do it!!
Lovely ❤
Great video. You drove me crazy not ironing as you go, lol. You are encouraging me to try to make one too. Look forward to your videos. lol, you could call me the Halfing in Texas.
I did try to iron as I went, but there was so much chaos that I did skip it sometimes. Plus linen wrinkles if you look at it funny, but it does press down well with just finger pressing, so it kind of balances out? lol You should definitely make one, these are awesome!
Found some awesome wool (lightweight) at thrift, and thought of a dress . Like your idea of a kirtle ! Like mine longer as legs get chili. Can you make the front and back each 1 piece (no extra cut gores) ? Or if can use 1 piece for each side? Looks nice and comfy. Have some linen might try first. or see what to line wool in case itchy. Very inspiring
Technically you can cut the front and back in one piece, but because there is a large amount of fabric cut on the bias, the stretch can make the dress warp as it's being worn. You could cut one isosceles triangle gore instead of two right angle triangle gores, but I've never attempted it so I couldn't speak to how well it would work. Wool is definitely the more historically accurate material, and usually had a linen shift underneath so it wouldn't be itchy. :)
Looks beautiful!
Thank you! :)
What a sweet dress and I looooove the color. And gratulations for reaching the Partnerprogram - great Milestone :O) I still have a long way to go till I am there, I am doing something wrong it seems - 34 videos and 71 subs :o/ Maybe I should start sewing instead of painting - lol.
Love your outtakes by the way.
Thank you so much! It’s definitely a marathon to get in the YPP, I’m sure you’ll get there!
Hope you were able to warm up after your reveal shoot! Cute dress. I also can't finish projects within the season I want to >.
Oh yes, big fluffy blanket and a couple mugs of hot tea later and I was nice and toasty. :)